ADHD Diagnosing
It can be tempting to avoid getting an evaluation for yourself or your child. A professional evaluation will aid in determining the extent of the symptoms and pinpoint the root of the problem.
Your healthcare provider will use standard ADHD ratings scales to look over your history. They'll also interview you and other people in your life, such as spouse, family members or friends -- for personal insight that self-tests and checklists cannot provide.
Symptoms
Get a referral if you suspect that your child has ADHD. He could refer you to a specialist such as a psychiatrist, or pediatrician, for more extensive assessment or testing. It is also recommended to bring school records to your visit as the doctor will want to determine how your child compares with his peers with the same age. The doctor may utilize standardized rating scales in order to measure the severity of your child's symptoms and to determine the time since they've been present.
A thorough assessment will examine your child's growth, family history of mental health problems and medical history. The doctor will also talk to you and any other adults who play a role in your child's life such as teachers or coaches. Talk to your child about any difficulties you've seen in their behavior, for example, not completing homework or other school-related tasks or home.
Children and teens often have a limited attention span, and it's normal for them to lose focus during games or other activities. If your child is unable to remember things quickly, having difficulty following instructions or making a few mistakes in their schoolwork, chores, or work, it could be a sign they have ADHD.
Hyperactivity is another symptom of ADHD, and it's common for children to be distracted or move around too much in class or when playing with friends. At home, they could be seen running or climbing in inappropriate places or struggle to sit still for long periods of time. They may mutter answers or interrupt conversations, and they can't wait their turn.
Inattentive ADHD is often mistaken for daydreaming, and is difficult to recognize in adults who don't have signs of hyperactivity. Adults with this form of the disorder often don't meet symptom criteria for either the hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD, so providers assign an unspecified diagnosis.
Diagnosis
ADHD symptoms can impact the ability of a person to function in daily life at work, school or at home. They can also cause issues with social interactions and relationships. Many people who suffer from these symptoms don't know that they suffer from a diagnosable condition, so they might not seek treatment. adhd in adults diagnosis for ADHD can help identify the condition and allow a doctor to recommend treatment options.
The screening for ADHD involves a medical examination, a detailed patient interview and a variety of other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist or psychotherapist, neurologist or doctor who is trained to diagnose ADHD. Talk to your GP in case you think your child might be suffering from ADHD. They can refer your child for a specialist evaluation.
The healthcare professional will review the patient's symptoms and medical history and will also look into any previous treatment. They will then conduct a physical examination, conduct vision and hearing screenings, and look for any medical conditions that might be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will use a combination ADHD symptoms checklist as well as standardized behavioral rating scores, and a thorough interview. The patient will be asked about their past symptoms and how they impact their lives at home, at school, and at work. They will also be asked to provide details from close family members and close friends.
A doctor can diagnose ADHD in children if they see at least six symptoms of inattention, or at least five signs of impulsivity or hyperactivity described in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. They must exhibit these signs for at minimum six months. They should be evident in at least two different places such as school, home or the workplace, and show significant impairment. The symptoms cannot be caused by any other mental health disorders or physical ailments.
Adults are more difficult to recognize as having ADHD because the ADHD diagnostic tools used for adolescents and children do not apply to adults. Some doctors will interview the patient and a close friend or sibling however, other doctors prefer to use specialized psychological testing and computerized continuous performance tests that are designed for adults suffering from ADHD.
Medication
If someone with ADHD is not treated, their symptoms may negatively impact family life, work, school, and social relationships. Treatments reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and can improve the functioning. There are a myriad of medicines available, and it could require several tries to locate the best one for a particular person. Psychotherapy and behavior modification may also be crucial components of treatment.
A physician who specializes in diagnosing ADHD will perform an exhaustive assessment. Based on the results, she might refer the patient to a different health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will review the medical history of the patient and the psychiatric issue, and utilize standardized ratings scales to assess ADHD. The doctor will also ask someone close to the patient- a parent, teacher, or sibling in the instance of adults, or a spouse or sibling in the case of children -- to complete an interview form with questions regarding ADHD symptoms and impact.
Different types of medications can be used to treat ADHD The doctor will talk with the patient about which is the most appropriate treatment. Stimulants are the most effective treatment for a few people. They increase activity in brain areas that control attention and behaviour. The most frequently prescribed medication is methylphenidate, which is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release, once-daily formulations.
Many children suffering from ADHD also have other health issues that need to be evaluated and treated such as anxiety, depression or mood disorders. It is important for the parents and the child to discuss about these other issues with their healthcare provider. Ideally, the child with ADHD should be seen by a specialist for these conditions all at once to ensure they work together to improve functioning.
When you are beginning a medication it is essential to seek out an experienced healthcare professional in treating ADHD. Ask a physician whose practice is covered by your insurance company to recommend a specialist, or contact the National Resource Center on ADHD to get a list of certified professionals. You can also call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to obtain the names of specialists in your area.
Treatment options
If a doctor suspects someone is suffering from ADHD the doctor will ask the patient to explain their symptoms in detail. The evaluator will also review the person's medical, family and psychiatric history. During the interview the evaluator will search for symptoms that match those listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A physical examination may be advised to rule out medical reasons for the symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
It is essential that the evaluator obtains information from people who know the person well, like teachers and family members. The evaluator could use questionnaires to inquire about the behavior of the person and its impact on their work and personal lives. The evaluator can also request a copy of a person's performance reviews, or other documents. The evaluator may also interview the spouse or close family members of the person.
The evaluator should also try to understand how the person's ADHD symptoms affect their daily functioning, such as in relationships, at school and at work. He or she may suggest behavioral therapy like family or marital counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or familial therapy. Behavioral therapy can help the person learn practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. A therapist could for instance, show the patient how to manage their possessions and schedule routine activities to improve their time-management.
Depending on the situation the assessor may recommend a variety of psychological or neuropsychological tests to get an overall picture of the person's abilities. These tests might include cognitive testing, such as IQ or academic achievement tests, as well as brain wave measurements using a device called an electroencephalograph (EEG).
The evaluator will decide if the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD and whether they fall under the inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD. The evaluator may prescribe medication to manage the symptoms. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy or other lifestyle modifications such as changing how the person does things, or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD provides additional information on treatments for adults.